WHIRLPOOL 

Part 3 - An Open Door

By Tessa Harvey

   Helen crept into the kitchen following Esther. Light beamed through a side window, shining on the pots and pans cramming the shelf over the side bench.

    Filmy curtains were fluffing in a faint breeze, decorated with animals and wild flowers, bright and colourful. Helen loved colour. She could hear birds singing and squawking, but mostly noisy shouts and thumps of balls.....

    Something soft touched her leg. Delighted, she slid down the wall and a funny looking puppy of indeterminate colour and origin was wagging a plumy tail and so very, very welcoming. The girl slid down the creamy tinted wall and hugged the dog. A door banged. She felt so happy.

    Voices called "Hungry, mum. How are you? Can we help? What's to eat?"

    A small sturdy boy stood somewhat belligerently near her. "Hey, that's my dog. It's my birthday present, see." Esther, turning from drinks and preparing sandwiches wondered for a moment if Archie would hit the girl.

    "Sit down, everyone," she said quickly and with firm authority. "Archie, feed Bitsa, please, then wash your hands."

    There was a thunderous knocking on the door!